|
INSIDE
Health
Matters
By V.
Lester,MSN, ARNP
Welcome to
the flu and cold season. This is the time of year when our bodies
and immune systems are subjected to a variety of viruses and bacteria.
The common
cold is caused by a virus, not bacteria. There are more than 200
strains of cold viruses. Some varieties are most common in the
spring; summer and early fall and some are most common in the
winter and early spring.
Influenza
viruses, Type A, B, and C, cause the most severe illness and are
most common from November to March. Influenza viruses are presently
the only viruses that have a vaccine that can reduce the symptoms
or prevent illness in 70 percent of healthy adults. These viruses
however change each season, just enough to prevent our bodies
from building immunity to them. This is why each year a new influenza
vaccine must be manufactured and people re-vaccinated.
All viruses
are spread in the same way by direct contact. Sneezing, coughing
or touching items that have been in contact with an infected person
or shaking their hands put you at risk for infection. Viruses
can survive outside of the body for up to three hours.
Influenza
symptoms have a more abrupt onset, usually accompanied with fever
of 101° to 103°, headache, chills, dry cough, body aches and loss
of appetite. Cold symptoms are more benign, running nose, sneezing,
sore throat and coughing.
Other than
prevention, hand washing, good nutrition and health habits and
avoidance of people who are ill, there is really no specific treatment
for the common cold. Antibiotics do not kill viruses and should
not be used. The course of influenza can sometimes be altered
through the use of antiviral drugs. Their success is governed
by starting the drug in the first 36 hours and may only shorten
the illness by two days.
Unfortunately,
sometimes a small percent of people who had a weakened immune
system may develop a secondary bacterial infection. These are
the times when antibiotics should be introduced that are specific
to the offending bacteria. We are fortunate to be able to test
specifically for influenza Type A & B, Streptococcus and other
bacterial infections in the clinic.
We now have
the flu vaccine in the clinic. Call to make an appointment if
you have not yet had the 2003-2004 influenza vaccine.
Reminder:
We hope to see you at the seminar on Heart Health on November
8, 11 a.m. at the community center.
BACK
TO TOP
|
